For many, the journey toward a career in public policy and law is driven by a desire to create meaningful change, yet it often feels like these paths must be pursued separately. But for Matthew Byanyima, a dual Master of Public Policy and Juris Doctor (MPP/JD) student at the University of Maryland, his own experiences within the education system revealed how these disciplines can work together to confront some of society’s most pressing issues—from environmental destruction to social inequity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Byanyima saw firsthand the stark inequities that exist in public education. Working as a teacher in an underserved community was an “eye-opening” experience that exposed him to the systemic barriers facing low-income families. Many students lacked the financial resources and social safety nets needed to succeed, reinforcing his belief that these disparities are not merely the result of individual shortcomings but instead the product of policy decisions. He realized that public policy and law were powerful tools for challenging these inequities at their root.
As a student of law and public policy, I believe that my education and skills can help me analyze these challenges critically, and advocate for inclusive and equitable solutions.Matthew Byanyima
Byanyima’s decision to pursue a dual MPP/JD is rooted in this intersection of law and policy. He sees a law degree as essential to understanding governmental power and legal constraints, while public policy provides the framework for designing and evaluating actionable solutions. “As a student of law and public policy, I believe that my education and skills can help me analyze these challenges critically, and advocate for inclusive and equitable solutions,” he shared.
With his dual degree, Byanyima hopes to work in environmental litigation, focusing on climate change and water pollution—areas where he believes legal expertise is urgently needed. He sees environmental litigation as an opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, advocate for affected communities and shape the law in positive ways. He aspires to become an appellate lawyer, guiding clients through high-stakes environmental cases.
He credits the University of Maryland’s MPP/JD program for its flexibility and hands-on learning opportunities. “The program is flexible and allows students to explore different areas of interest and apply their knowledge in the real world,” he noted. His capstone project with the African Wildlife Foundation has involved analyzing trends in environmental conservation policy, and he has gained practical experience as a student attorney in the immigration law clinic. He has also competed in regional moot court competitions and presented his academic work at an International Union for Conservation of Nature conference in India.
For students considering a career in public policy with an interest in social justice, Byanyima offers one important piece of advice: “Appreciate how different policy areas intersect and take every opportunity you can to gain practical experience and exposure…reach out to take the initiative and network as much as possible.”
